Obituary of Ruth Gifford Ostrander

Mrs. Ruth Gifford Ostrander, 92 years old of Stratton Apts., Amsterdam, died Friday, May 16, 2008, at St. Mary's Hospital where she had been a patient since April 29. Mrs. Ostrander was born August 29, 1915, in Walton, New York, daughter of Henry and Lillian Mills Gifford and was a graduate of Walton High School, Class of 1932. She moved to the Amsterdam area in 1948 where she had since resided. Mrs. Ostrander was employed as a department manager at the former Big N Department Store of Amsterdam. She was of the Protestant faith. Mrs. Ostrander was an avid bowler and enjoyed playing cards and playing bingo. On February 8, 1936 she married Ralph D. Ostrander. He died November 16, 1997. Mrs. Ostrander is survived by two daughters: Judith Ann Robert, Sr. Guisti of Tribes Hill, NY and Samantha Joe Fondacaro of Hagaman, NY; a daughter-in-law, Alice Echtner of Fultonham; ten grandchildren and many great grandchildren and great great grandchildren. Nieces, nephews and cousins also survive. In addition to her husband, Mrs. Ostrander was predeceased by her son, Ralph Ostrander, and her granddaughters, Laurie Willoughby and Melanie Szewczak. Funeral services will be held 2:00pm Sunday, May 18, 2008, at Betz, Rossi & Bellinger Family Funeral Home, 171 Guy Park Avenue, Amsterdam, with the Rev. Jill Farnham officiating. There will be no prior calling period. Cremation will take place at Vale Crematorium. A graveside committal service will be held 1:00pm Monday at Walton Cemetery, Walton, NY. Memorial contributions may be made: Community Hospice of Amsterdam, 246 Manny's Corner Road, Amsterdam, NY 12010.